Announcing our 2025 People’s Choice Award Winner

The Center for Architecture and Design Tampa Bay, in partnership with AIA Tampa Bay’s Honor and Design Awards Program, is pleased to announce the 2025 People’s Choice Award winner:

Tampa International Airport – Phase II Master Plan Expansion

Designed by: HNTB
Contractor: Hensel Phelps

Each year, the People’s Choice Award invites the public to discover and vote for their favorite architectural project from AIA Tampa Bay’s Design Awards program. This year’s ballot featured 23 exceptional institutional and commercial projects designed by firms across the Tampa Bay region. Thousands of community members participated in the voting—demonstrating strong public excitement and appreciation for architecture shaping our built environment.

About the Winning Project

Phase II of the Tampa International Airport Master Plan represents a defining step in preparing for the airport’s future growth, with passenger volumes projected to double by 2031. This transformative expansion reimagines how travelers move through one of Tampa Bay’s most essential civic gateways.

Highlights of the project include:

The nation’s first Express Curbsides, improving efficiency for the 53% of passengers who bypass ticketing and baggage claim.
Blue and Red Vertical Circulation Buildings, seamlessly integrated within the existing parking structure to provide a direct, intuitive path from curb to gate.
The new “Jewel” Central Utility Plant, increasing energy efficiency by 30% and enhancing flood resilience.
A new Police and Maintenance Facility and expanded operational infrastructure, all constructed within an active 24/7 airport environment.

More than added capacity, Phase II is a strategic enabler—unlocking the next phase of international expansion and demonstrating how visionary design can shape regional growth.

Recognition at Celebrate Design

The People’s Choice Award was presented at Celebrate Design, AIA Tampa Bay’s annual Honor and Design Awards celebration on Thursday, November 6th at Centro Asturiano de Tampa.

We congratulate HNTB and Hensel Phelps, and we extend our appreciation to everyone who participated and helped celebrate architectural excellence in Tampa Bay.